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Home Secretary has 'lost the trust of police'

The writing was on the wall for the Home Secretary, according to the Police Federation Photo: ITV News

The Home Secretary Theresa May faced calls to resign today as she was told she had lost the trust of the police.

May was heckled and booed as she told officers they should stop pretending the police were the only area of the public sector facing cuts. Several high ranking officers called for her resignation after she told the delegation at the Police Federation conference that the changes to their pay and condition were "for the good of the country".

Lucy Manning reports.

Simon Payne, of the Warwickshire Police Federation said:

"Home Secretary, you may not like this, but we no longer trust you in the police service. Full stop. End of story."

His comments came after May had spent almost two hours answering questions and listening to officers' concerns about the 20% cuts to policing the Home Secretary seems determined to push through.

Steve Thornton, from the Staffordshire Police Federation said his force was reducing its numbers to 1,750 by 2015, taking it back to 1970s levels. He referenced the large sign on the podium from which the Home Secretary made her badly received speech.

Can you explain to the people of Staffordshire why they should feel safe with you in charge? Cutting police by 20% is criminal? The writing's on the wall.

Another member stood up and said:

Home Secretary, I believe you are a disgrace.

Many in the crowd of officers agreed with him, and May finished her speech to a chorus of boos and heckles reflecting this 'disgrace' sentiment.

Shadow home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

It is clear that the Home Secretary has lost the respect and support of thousands of police officers across the country who want to do their job and keep us safe. It's time the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Home Secretary started to listen to communities and police officers across the country.